Method of line-switching and connection for a connector with a combo port

ABSTRACT

Provided is a method of line-switching and connection for a connector with a combo port. The method is particularly adapted to the connector compatible with two or more link types. The method is to switch the wires to connect a specific link based on the detection of connector type. The step is firstly to initialize the system with the connector. A detecting circuit is configured to detect the type of connector which is plugged into the combo port. The detection covers the physical layer and protocol related to the plugged connector. An automatic switching process is then performed to establish a connection in compliance with the connector type chosen by a controller. In one embodiment, the connector with combo port particularly meets the requirements of connections to RJ-45 connector and RJ-11 connector. After the switching process, the adapted connection is implemented with required configurations.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application is based on Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/380805, filed 8 Sep. 2010, currently pending.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The instant disclosure relates to a connecting apparatus with a combo port and its line switching method, more particularly, to the method for the network connecting apparatus with pin-shared mechanism.

2. Description of Related Art

With regard to the network arrangement, at least two types of connecting ports are employed. RJ-45 serial port and RJ-11 telecommunication terminal are the general types of connectors. 8-pin RJ-45 connector is the preferred type used for bridging the network devices including Switch, Router, Repeater, Hub, and Bridge. The male connector is shown in FIG. 1(A), and the corresponding female connector is such as shown in FIG. 1(B). The pins of RJ-45 connector are indicated by numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. Table 1 shows an example illustrating the definitions of pins of the RJ-45 stranded wire with 10M/100M transmission rate connector.

TABLE 1 pin Functionality Pin Indication 1 Data transmission Tx+ 2 Data transmission Tx− 3 Data reception Rx+ 4 n/a n/a 5 n/a n/a 6 Data reception Rx− 7 n/a n/a 8 n/a n/a

The table 1 shows some unused pins 4, 5, 7, 8 at 10/100 BASE, and these pins may be used for 1000M data rate. The stranded wire with data transmission rate at 1000M may employ all pins. The pin definitions are exemplarily illustrated in Table 2.

TABLE 2 pin Functionality Pin Indication 1 Duplex data transmission and BI_DA+ reception (A+) 2 Duplex data transmission and BI_DA− reception (A−) 3 Duplex data transmission and BI_DB+ reception (B+) 4 Duplex data transmission and BI_DC+ reception (C+) 5 Duplex data transmission and BI_DC− reception (C−) 6 Duplex data transmission and BI_DB− reception (B−) 7 Duplex data transmission and BI_DD+ reception (D+) 8 Duplex data transmission and BI_DD− reception (D−)

Reference is made to the RJ-11 connector shown in FIG. 2. In general application, RJ-11 includes 6 pins with definitions. Table 3 shows an exemplary example showing the definitions. The RJ-11 telecommunication port is generally used for the telephone line, and also for application of Digital Subscriber Line (DSL). xDSL indicates that the telephone line is made of copper stranded wires. The telephone line is thereby implemented as a network line through the data transformation by a DSL modem. A multifunctional personal computer may be equipped with both RJ-45 and RJ-11 connectors.

TABLE 3 pin Functionality Pin Indication 1 Data transmission (−) E_TX− 2 Data reception (+) E_RX+ 3 Vocal telephone (ground) Tip 4 Vocal telephone (electric) Ring 5 Data reception (−) E_RX− 6 Data transmission (+) E_TX+

Thus the detailed description directed to the invention is disclosed to provide a solution therefor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Based on the understand of the conventional eight pins of the standard RJ-45 serial connector and the six pins RJ-11 telecommunication connector, they have a certain similarity. Especially, the plugs and inside tenons of both conventional connectors are interchangeable. The instant disclosure discloses a combo-type connecting port integrating at least two standards of connection. The combo-type connecting port includes a connecting terminal compatible with an RJ-45 serial connector and an RJ-11 telecommunication connector.

According to one of the embodiments, the connecting apparatus of the combo-type connecting port includes a connector module, especially to the connecting terminal compatible with two or more standards of connection. The connecting terminal includes a plurality of electrical contacts and the extended metal wires. A corresponding line switching method for this connecting apparatus includes a first step of initializing process. Next, a detecting circuit detects a connection type as a connection is plugged into the connecting apparatus. For instance, the detection is configured to determine the physical layer and communication protocol of the connection. After that, a connector controller performs an automatic switching process to switch one of the line combinations according to the detected connecting type.

Since the connecting apparatus with a combo port may supports various connectors with different numbers of electrical contacts, the automatic switching process may switch the routes based on the detection result. The connecting apparatus may adequately conform to the RJ-45 connector having eight pins and the RJ-45 connector with six pins.

In accordance with needs of the pins, the lines may be categorized into several line combinations. The line combinations include unshared lines and the shared lines. The connectors with different numbers of electrical contacts may not have any electrical contact shared with each other. For example, the 10/100 BASE lines and the lines for RJ-11 connector may not share any contact. Furthermore, the connectors with the different numbers of electrical contacts may have the shared electrical contacts. For example, the 1000 BASE-enabled RJ-45 connector may have the contacts shared with the RJ-11 connector in the current case.

According another aspect of the invention, the line combinations in the switching process may include the lines of the RJ-11 connector for Digital subscriber line, the lines of RJ-45 connector for 10 BASE-T or 100 BASE-TX standard of connection, and the lines of RJ-45 connector for 1000 BASE-T standard of connection.

After performing the line switching, a connecting process is initiated. A connector controller in the connecting apparatus may perform a connecting process based on a connecting type. The connecting process includes configuring the connection according to the connection parameters provided by the service provider of Digital subscriber line (xDSL). Alternatively, the connecting process is also for configuring the Ethernet network according to the LAN configuration.

In one further aspect of the invention, a pin-shared mechanism is introduced to both the RJ-45 connector and the RJ-11 connector. The line switching process is therefore conducted for the connecting apparatus with a combo port for supporting 10 BASE-T, 100 BASE-TX, 1000 BASE-T and even the RJ-11 standards of connection. A relay circuit, in one embodiment, is used to implement the switching when it receives a switching signal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1(A)(B) shows the schematic diagrams regarding a conventional RJ-45 serial connector;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a conventional RJ-11 telecom connector;

FIG. 3 schematically shows a connecting apparatus with a combo port applicable to a computer system in one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a flow of automatic connection adapted to the connecting apparatus with a combo port in one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of the connecting apparatus with a combo port in one of the embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of the connecting apparatus in one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 still shows a schematic diagram of the connecting apparatus with a combo port in third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 next shows a schematic diagram of the connecting apparatus with a combo port in fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a first flow chart illustrating a connecting method for the connecting apparatus with a combo port in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a second flow chart illustrating a connecting method for the connecting apparatus with a combo port in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates a comprehensive process in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

Network registered Jack includes some types, such as RJ-45 and RJ-11. The RJ-45 connector is a terminal of cable for data transmission over a network. The types of connections are generally made for the household network devices, such as router and hub, or prepared between the network device and a computer system. Further, the RJ-11 connector is usually adapted to the telephone line, including the connection between the telephone line and the indoor Digital subscriber line modem, such as the ADSL modem. The RJ-11 connector is also used for connecting the personal computer and the modem for dialing up to the network.

One of the objectives in the instant disclosure is to integrate the mentioned two standards of connection. A connecting apparatus with a combo port is accordingly disclosed. In particular, a combo-type connecting port is provided for integrating the types of connections, especially to a female connector therefor. The combo-type connecting port is electrically connected with a detecting unit and a control circuit. The detecting unit is used to detect a connection signal there-between. The connection signal is made for confirming a connection mode, and accordingly switching one of the connection modules for the various types of connections.

Reference is made to FIG. 3, which describes a schematic diagram of a connecting apparatus with a combo port in a computer system in one embodiment. This connecting apparatus with a combo port is particularly implemented in a main board 30 of a computer system 3. One of the primary components is a connector module 303 on the main board 30. This connector module 303 is a combo-type connecting port in compliance with two or more standards of connection. The port is equipped with a plurality of electrical contacts and the connected metal wires. The structure of connector module 303 has a female connector housing, metal-made electrical contacts, and the lines (not shown) connected to the main board 30. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the combo-type connecting port integrates the female connectors for the mentioned RJ-45 and RJ-11 connections. The related connector module 303 mostly has eight pins.

The connecting apparatus with a combo port is exemplarily a combo-type connecting port supporting various standards of connection. An automatic detecting means is introduced to detecting the connection standard as any connection plugged into the combo-type connecting port automatically, especially through a detecting circuit. Next, according to the detection result, a switching means is introduced to conducting a line switching. The related detection regards the electrical signals measured from the state of the plugging physical layer. In other words, a specific communication protocol for the contacts to be detected is acquired.

In one of the embodiments of the disclosure, the mentioned automatic detecting and switching means may be respectively implemented as a connector control unit 305 and a detecting unit 307 as shown in the diagram of the connecting apparatus with a combo port. For the purpose of supporting various standards of connection, the connector module 303 is electrically connected with the connector control unit 305 and the detecting unit 307. The detecting unit 307 is to automatically detect the electrical signals of the connecting terminal 301 plugged into the port of connector module 303. Through the connecting relationship with regard to the electrical signals of the electrical contacts, it is able to acquire the property of connecting terminal 301 and also to determine the standard of the connection source.

According to the embodiment, the detecting unit 307 is electrically with a data processing unit 309. The data processing unit 309 receives the signal property from the detecting unit 307, and the process the signaling among the connections and data processing. The data processing unit 309 also handles the network packets forwarding and transmitting. In response to the detection result, a control signal is generated. This control signal will be transmitted to the connector control unit 305 for controlling the line combination of the connector module 303 so as to comply a specific standard of connection. The connector control unit 305 is electrically connected with the data processing unit 309, and functioned to receive the control signal from the data processing unit 309. According to the control signal, a specific line combination is allowed to implement the pin definition for the RJ-45 serial connector or the 6-pin RJ-11 connector.

The connecting apparatus with a combo port includes a memory unit 311, according to one of the embodiments, electrically connected to the data processing unit 309 for storing user's configurations to the apparatus. Or, the memory unit 311 is also for storing the configurations which are ever detected. Thereby, the connecting apparatus with a combo port may be configured to control the line combination of the connector module 303 by referring to the configurations stored in the memory unit 311 in the future.

According to one further embodiment in accordance with the present invention, the connector module 303 shown in FIG. 3 may be a standalone device, but not installed on the main board. For instance, the shown connector module (303) may be the device connected to a handheld device or other systems through an adapter such as a USB or other types of adapters.

To adapt to the connecting apparatus with a combo port, the description of flow shown in FIG. 4 is as follows:

In the beginning of the method, such as step S401, the system employing the connecting apparatus with a combo port is initialized. The system is able to perform detection, controlling, and data processing for the various connections. The initializing process includes setting an initial connection. For example, a switching state is confirmed to serve an RJ-45 connection mode, or an RJ-11 connection mode.

Next, the system then detects the electrical property of the connection plugged into the connecting apparatus with combo port through a detecting circuit. The electrical property of the connection includes a state of physical layer 41, linking with the electrical contacts, and electrical signal of the electrical contacts. The detection of the electrical property is allowed to determine a communication protocol 42, and thereby to detect a connecting type (step sS403).

In response to the detection result, the connector controller performs a switching process (step S405). In an exemplary example, the connector controller, according to the result, switches the lines to a line combination corresponding to the specified connecting type. The connecting apparatus with a combo port is configured to correspond to the lines for the connectors with various numbers of electrical contacts in the automatic switching process. The exemplified connectors include an RJ-45 connector and an RJ-11 connector, which are respectively corresponding to eight and six pins. The mentioned switching process serves to switching these pins.

Next, in step S407, a connecting process with corresponding switched lines is performed. In an exemplary example, the types of connection include Digital subscriber line (xDSL) 43 and Ethernet network 44. The types respectively are adapted to different connecting processes and the relevant parameters. After the process, an automatic connection is achieved (step S411). For speeding up the future setting, the related configuration of connection is stored in the memory unit of the connecting apparatus with a combo port. The related step S409 is thus described.

Following description is related to the several embodiments for the connection switching.

First Embodiment

Table 4 shows a first embodiment of the specification regarding 8-pin RJ-45 connector.

In the present embodiment, the connector may have a plurality of electrical contacts, preferably eight pins and numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. This format is especially applicable to the RJ-45 standard. The numbered pins 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 correspond to the format for RJ-11 connector, whose pins numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. In other words, there are six pins of the eight pins of RJ-45 connector being shared with RJ-11 connector.

Regarding functionalities to the connecting apparatus, four pins numbered 1, 2, 3 and 6 of the eight pins of RJ-45 connector are adapted to the connection for Ethernet network. In one embodiment, the pins of the mentioned standards in compliance with 10 BASE-T and 100 BASE-TX may be indicated as E_TX+, E_TX−, E_RX+, and E_RX−. The pins 3 and 4 respectively indicate Tip and Ring, which are applicable to xDSL connection. The general telephone line is a 2-pin stranded wire.

TABLE 4 RJ-45 pins RJ-11 pins Functionality Indication 1 Ethernet network E_TX+ 2 1 Ethernet network E_TX− 3 2 Ethernet network E_RX+ 4 3 xDSL Tip 5 4 xDSL Ring 6 5 Ethernet network E_RX− 7 6 8

Further reference is made to FIG. 5, where a connecting apparatus with a combo port 50 embodying an RJ-45 connector 501 is shown. Eight pins and corresponding eight metal wires are provided. The pins and the wires, in accordance with a specific standard of connection, are shared with both first connection module 505 and second connection module 506.

The metal wires may be divided into several line combinations. The practical implementation for the 10 BASE-T or 100 BASE-TX standard adopts pins 1, 2, 3 and 6 of the eight pins. As shown in the diagram, the line combination 502 having pins 1, 2, 3 and 6 is linked to the second connection module 506, which may be the circuit module of Ethernet network. The line combination 503 having the pins 4 and 5 is linked to the first connection module 505, such as the circuit module of Digital subscriber line.

Reference is made to FIG. 4 showing a circuit arrangement. The connecting apparatus 50 is configured to connect to the first connection module 505 and the second connection module 506. This apparatus 50 integrates at least two terminals with two standards of connection. By referring to FIG. 3, the detecting unit is used to detect the electrical signal as in connection to one of the modules (505, 506). Then a suitable line combination (502 or 503) may be selected. By means of automatically detecting the signal for each pin, a certain line combination can be exactly switched rather than the conventional configuration which needs to be reset firstly before the connection.

Second Embodiment

Table 5 shows another embodiment related to the connecting apparatus in accordance with the present invention. The pins of RJ-45 connector are indicated as pins 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. The pins 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 are corresponding to the pins 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 of RJ-11 connector. The pins 2, 3, 6 and 7 of RJ-45 connector are adapted to connection of Ethernet network, and indicated as E_TX−, E_RX+, E_RX− and E_TX+ correspondingly. The pins 3 and 4 of RJ-11 connector are applicable to the network connection of Digital subscriber line, and they are Tip and Ring.

TABLE 5 RJ-45 pin RJ-11 pin Functionality Indication 1 2 1 Ethernet network E_TX− 3 2 Ethernet network E_RX+ 4 3 xDSL Tip 5 4 xDSL Ring 6 5 Ethernet network E_RX− 7 6 Ethernet network E_TX+ 8

The applications with respect to the pin definitions in Table 5 may be referred to the embodiment described in FIG. 6.

The shown 8-pin RJ-45 connector 601 embodies the connecting apparatus with a combo port 60 according to the invention. The pins 1 and 8 are disabled, and the pins 2, 3, 6 and 7 assemble a line combination 602, especially applicable to the RJ-45 connector. This line combination 602 is linked with the second connection module 606 exemplarily for the wiring of Ethernet network. The pins 4 and 5 form a line combination 603, which is linked with the first connection module 605, applicable to wiring the RJ-11 connector. RJ-11 connector may be used for the circuit module of Digital subscriber line.

The detecting circuit is used to detect the electrical signal as the connecting apparatus 60 is plugged with the RJ-45 connector 601. The associated connection format can therefore be determined. A control circuit is used to switch the connection to the first connection module 605 or to the second connection module 606 in response to the detected electrical signal.

Third Embodiment

The next Table 6 shows one further embodiment of the connecting apparatus in accordance with the present invention. The shown pins are exemplarily served for 10 BASE-T, 100 BASE-TX, 1000 BASE-T (the RJ-45), and RJ-11 standards of connection at one time. The pins for RJ-45 connector are indicated by 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. The pins 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 correspond to the pins 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 for RJ-11 connector. The connecting apparatus still supports the transmission rate with 1000M (1000 BASE-T). When the pins 1, 2, 3, 6, 7 and 8 of RJ-45 connector are adapted to connection for Ethernet network, the pins may be identified by E_AP, E_AN, E_BP, E_CP, E_CN, E_BN, E_DP, and E_DN. The pins 3 and 4 of RJ-11 connector are applicable to the connection of Digital subscriber line. Meanwhile, the two pins can be identified by Tip and Ring respectively. These two shared pins are also identified by Tip/E_CP and Ring/E_CN.

TABLE 6 RJ-45 pin RJ-11 pin Functionality Indication 1 Ethernet network E_AP 2 1 Ethernet network E_AN 3 2 Ethernet network E_BP 4 3 xDSL/Ethernet network Tip/E_CP 5 4 xDSL/Ethernet network Ring/E_CN 6 5 Ethernet network E_BN 7 6 Ethernet network E_DP 8 Ethernet network E_DN

FIG. 7 shows the embodiment associated with the Table 6.

RJ-45 connector 701 embodies the connector module of the shown connecting apparatus with a combo port. The pins 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 include at least two definitions of line combinations. In which, the pins 1, 2, 3, 6, 7 and 8 form a line combination 70, and the pins 4 and 5 assemble a line combination 702. The function of the line combination 702 may be switched by a switching means. Therefore, the connecting apparatus can be adapted to both xDSL and Ethernet network connections.

In the exemplary example, the switching means may be implemented by a relay circuit 710 connected to the processing unit 709. The relay circuit 710 switches the line combinations in response to a switching signal generated from the processing unit 709. The switching means is served in the midst of the line combination 703 or of the line combination 704. The line combination 703 is exemplarily connected to the first connection module 707, and the line combination 704 is to the second connection module 708. In one embodiment, the line combination 705 for the RJ-45 connector 701 is extended to assemble the line combination 706 connected to the second connection module 708.

According to the embodiment described in FIG. 7, the mentioned switching means, in response to the switching signal, performs the switching between the first connection module 707 for xDSL line and the second connection module 708 for Ethernet network. Therefore, the connecting apparatus with a combo port is allowed to supports at least two standards of connection. In the preferred embodiment, the connecting apparatus can be served for 10 BASE-T, 100 BASE-TX, 1000 BASE-T, and RJ-11 standards. In particular, the 1000 BASE-T connection uses the full eight pins of RJ-45 connector. When the eight pins need to be shared with the RJ-11 connector, the switching means may generate the switching signal through the relay circuit 710, or other equivalent switching mechanisms.

The described processing unit 709 may be implemented as the connector control unit 305 shown in FIG. 3, or other processing chip integrated with controlling, detection, and data processing.

Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 8 shows another embodiment for standards including 10 BASE-T, 100 BASE-TX, 1000 BASE-T, and RJ-11 connections. An RJ-45 connector 801 embodies the connector module. Pins 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 of 8 of the RJ-45 connector 801 are connected with a switching module 810. The switching module 810 implements a switching action among the standards of connection. In an exemplary example, the switching module 810 performs the switching according to the switching signal generated from the processing unit 809. The switching module 810 then uses the different line combinations (802, 803, 804, and 805) to link with a first connection module 807 and a second connection module 808.

The connector module supports 10 BASE-T, 100 BASE-TX, 1000 BASE-T, and RJ-11 connections. The switching module 810 shall provide various switching modes for supporting the various standards. When the detecting circuit checks any connection by 10 BASE-T or 100 BASE-TX, four pins of the connecting apparatus are switched to the cline combination connected to the second connection module 808, exemplarily for Ethernet network. Since the detecting circuit detects the connection of 1000 BASE-T is connected, eight pins thereof can be assembled for linking to the same line combination of second connection module 808. Further, if the RJ-11 connection is detected, only two pins of the port need to be switched to conduct the connection to the first connection module 807. The above-mentioned line combinations shall be adequately configured to fit in with the specific connection, including the user's configuration stored in the memory unit (referred to FIG. 3) as required.

Furthermore, the 1000 BASE-T connection uses eight pins of the port. Two pins, such as the shown pins 4 and 5, thereof are shared with RJ-11 connector. The pins 4 and 5 may be switched to serve the first connection module 807, for example the line combination 802, by the switching module 810. Alternatively, the second connection module 808, namely the line combination 803, may be served by the pins 4 and 5 in the example. The line combination 803 may be assembled with the line combination 804 so as to form a line combination 805, in which the eight pins are jointly serving the second connection module 808.

The above-mentioned processing unit 809 can also be achieved by the connector control unit 305 shown in FIG. 3, or the other processing chip for performing controlling, detection, and data processing.

In an exemplary embodiment of the connecting apparatus with a combo port in accordance with the present invention, part of or all associated connector module, detecting unit, connector control unit and the data processing unit may be integrated into a chip in a computer system. For example, a chip integrated with a detecting circuit and a control circuit may be provided. The mentioned functions may also be implemented in an IC to integrate the Ethernet network circuits and the Digital subscriber line circuits. The IC has capability of automatically detecting the connected signal, and well providing a suitable line switching.

The relay circuit applicable to the automatic switching process in accordance with the invention is configured to be a default state in the initialization. FIG. 9 describes the embodiment of the connecting method using the automation switching process.

While the power supply is initiated (step S901), the system with the exemplified connecting apparatus with a combo port is firstly configured to be an xDSL connection mode (step S903). The mentioned relay circuit is used to set the initial connection mode. The other connection for Ethernet network is then specified to a 10/100 BASE connection mode (step S905).

After the xDSL connection mode is specified, such as S907, the related xDSL connecting process is initiated, and simultaneously detecting whether or not a connection for the Ethernet network is connected (step S909). If there is not Ethernet network being plugged into the port (no), the method goes to step S911 in order to continue the xDSL connecting process. If there is an Ethernet network connection existed (yes), the process may be turned to step S915. In step S915, the connection is configured to be the Ethernet network connection mode.

When the xDSL connecting process is processed in step S911, the method goes to determine whether or not the xDSL connection is accomplished (step S913). The present connection for Digital subscriber line requires the parametric allocation provided by a service provider (ISP). In the description of the figure, if the xDSL connecting process is not yet finished (no), the process may goes back to step S909. Otherwise, if the xDSL connection is accomplished (yes), such as step S919, the related system can be connected via xDSL connection (step S923).

In the step S909, when the connection for Ethernet network is confirmed (yes), such as step S915, the system is configured to be the Ethernet network connection mode, and simultaneously canceling the initial xDSL connecting process. The present Ethernet network connection is completed according to a LAN configuration specified for the system. In an exemplary example for the connection configuration, one of the possible embodiments may perform a dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP). The DHCP configuration is preferably conducted by a DHCP server. Alternatively, the connection configuration for Ethernet network employs a point-to-point protocol (PPPoE). The related service provider is required to provide the connection parameters, such as user account and password. Further, a specific server within the local area network or the user himself may set a static network address for the connection.

After the process of configuring the Ethernet network connection, the method goes to step S917 for detecting whether or not the Ethernet network is connection. If the connection for Ethernet network is not yet connection (no), the method goes to step S903 and repeats the above-described steps thereto. Otherwise, if the connection for Ethernet network is accomplished (yes), the system is processed with the Ethernet network (step S921), and the connection is accomplished (step S923).

Reference is made to FIG. 10, which describes one further flow related to the embodiment of the connecting method for the connecting apparatus with a combo port.

In step S101, the connecting apparatus with a combo port is powered on. In step S103, the related system initializes the connecting apparatus in the beginning, in which the apparatus is firstly configured to be an Ethernet network connection mode. Next, the method for the apparatus goes to detect if any Ethernet network is connected (step S105).

In response to the detection, if the system detects the Ethernet network is connected (yes), such as step S111, the relevant Ethernet network configuration is stored to be reference for speeding up the future configuration. On the other hand, if there is no Ethernet network connected (no), the system may be configured to be an xDSL connection mode (step S107). Meanwhile, an xDSL connecting process is initiated and also incorporating the connection parameters provided by the service provider to allocating the connection.

In next step S109, the system determines whether or not the xDSL is connected. If the xDSL connection is not yet connected (no), the system may perform the process as described in step S103, and repeat the related steps. If the connection is accomplished (yes), such as step S113, the configuration of xDSL connection is stored (step S115).

References are made to the descriptions in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10. An initial connection mode is specified in the beginning of the connecting method. During the process for establishing the connection, if any connection is changed, an automatic switching process is performed. The switching process, by means of switching, switches the lines for the connecting apparatus with a combo port. A relay circuit is preferably the solution to implement the switching. The relay circuit generates a switching signal according to the detection result. The switching signal may also be generated by a processor of the system. The connecting apparatus with a combo port employs the relay circuit to configure the shared lines, which conduct the connectors with various numbers of electrical contacts.

The embodiments described in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 are the exemplary examples. The shown RJ-45 connector supports 1000 BASE standard and includes the lines shared with the RJ-11 connector. Furthermore, the RJ-45 connector in compliance with 10/100 BASE standard may not have the lines shared with the RJ-11 connector; however, the RJ-45 connector and the RJ-11 connector still share the port. The unshared lines are exemplified in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. The RJ-11 connector and RJ-45 connector have different numbers of electrical contacts. The combo-type connecting port available to both RJ-11 and RJ-45 may not provide shared electrical contacts to each other. Meantime, the relay circuit still implements the line switching.

In particular, the line combinations adapted to the embodiments of the invention are provided in the invention. The line combination may be:

(1) lines of RJ-11 connector in compliance with the standard of Digital subscriber line, and the lines are connected to a circuit module for Digital subscriber line;

(2) lines of RJ-45 connector in compliance with 10 BASE-T or 100 BASE-TX standard of connection, and the lines are connected to the circuit module for Ethernet network; or

(3) lines of RJ-45 connector in compliance with 1000 BASE-T standard of connection, and the lines are connected to the circuit module for Ethernet network.

FIG. 11 shows a comprehensive flow chart illustrating the invention.

While the system with the connecting apparatus is powered on (step S201), a detecting circuit is used to detect if any network configuration and the related connection are existed (step S203), especially in a memory. During the detection, if the network configuration and connection exist (yes), the step S205 is performed to configure a WLAN connection (step S219).

If there is no network configuration and related connection existed in the default setting (no), an automatic connection detection process is executed (step S207). The system particularly generates an automatic detection instruction for the detection of the various types of connections to the connecting apparatus with a combo port.

According to the detection result made in step S207, the system may create a report if no any connection is detected. The report may be displayed to users through a screen or light signals. If the connection is under the Ethernet network mode, such as step S209, the connecting apparatus is configured to be a WLAN mode, and the system acquires network-related parameters from a DHCP server. The configuration of connection is then stored in a storage medium (step S215). Alternatively, if the detection result shows the xDSL is in connection, such as step S211, a scheme with VPI (Virtual Path Identifier)/VCI (Virtual Circuit Identifier) automatic detection may be exemplarily introduced. Through VPI/VCI detection, the xDSL modem is able to recognize the operation for CO (Central Office) end or CPE (Customer Premise Equipment). If the operation is unrecognizable, the automatic detection fails (step S217), and the system may then report the unrecognizable event. If the recognition is successful, the method goes to step S213 for performing LLC (Logical Link Control)/VCMUX (Virtual Circuit Multiplexing)×PPPoE/OA detection. In an exemplary embodiment, the detection process is always performed to detect the xDSL connection. Further, if the recognition fails, such a step S217, the system generates report. If the recognition is successful, the related configuration is stored (step S215), and the connection is accomplished (step S219).

Since the provision of the described line switching, detection, and connection is applicable to the combo-type connector, the system with the connecting apparatus provides a scheme integrating the various automatic connection detecting methods. In the summation of the above description, the described connecting apparatus with a combo port introduces the pin-sharing mechanism to be in compliance with various standards of connection. The connection detection and automatic switch-controlling means are exemplarily incorporated into the invention for the purpose of pin-sharing scheme.

It is intended that the specification and depicted embodiment be considered exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the broad meaning of the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A line switching method for a connecting apparatus with a combo port, comprising: initializing the connecting apparatus with a combo port, including an initial configuration of connection of the connecting apparatus with a combo port; detecting a type of connection plugged into the connecting apparatus with a combo port according to a physical layer and communication protocol of the connection; and performing an automatic switching process by a connector controller to switch one of the line combinations corresponding to the connection type.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the automatic switching process is to switch a plurality of connectors with various numbers of electrical contacts corresponding to the connecting apparatus with a combo port.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the every connector includes at least one RJ-45 connector and one RJ-11 connector.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the connecting apparatus with a combo port is a connector with eight pins, and the switching process is to switch route of the eight pins correspondingly connected to the RJ-45 connector, or to switch route of the six pins correspondingly connected to the RJ-11 connector.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the automatic switching process is performed by a relay circuit, which generates a switching signal for the switching in response to detection result.
 6. The method of claim 2, wherein the plurality of line combinations comprise: unshared lines, in which the connectors with various numbers of electrical contacts do not have shared electrical contacts; and shared lines, in which the connectors with various numbers of electrical contacts have the shared electrical contacts.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein, an RJ-45 connector in compliance with 10/100 BASE and an RJ-11 connector form the unshared lines; the RJ-45 connector for 1000 BASE standard has shared lines with the RJ-11 connector.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein port of the connecting apparatus with a combo port has a plurality of electrical contacts linked with a plurality of metal wires, and the metal wires are divided into several line combinations, which are respectively linked to a first connection module and a second connection module.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the first connection module is circuit module for Digital subscriber line, and the second connection module is circuit module for Ethernet network.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the switching process is to switch one of the line combinations, and the combinations are applied to: an RJ-11 connector, in compliance with standard of an Digital subscriber line, connected to circuit module of the Digital subscriber line; an RJ-45 connector, in compliance with 10 BASE-T or 100 BASE-TX standard, connected to circuit module of an Ethernet network; and wherein, the RJ-45 connector corresponds to a 1000 BASE-T standard circuit and connects to the circuit module of the Ethernet network.
 11. A connecting method for a connecting apparatus with a combo port, comprising: initializing the connecting apparatus with a combo port, including configuration of connection of the connecting apparatus with a combo port; detecting type of a connection plugged into the connecting apparatus with a combo port, in which the connection type is determined according to physical layer and communication protocol of the connection; performing an automatic switching process, by a connector controller, to switch a line combination corresponding to the detected connection type; and initiating a connecting process, wherein the connector controller performs the connecting process according to the detected connecting type.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the automatic switching process is performed to switch the lines of connecting apparatus with a combo port with corresponding an RJ-45 connector or an RJ-11 connector, in which the RJ-45 connector and the RJ-11 connector have different numbers of electrical contacts.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the connecting apparatus with a combo port is a connector with eight pins, and the automatic switching process is performed to switch the pins to correspondingly connect the RJ-45 connector having eight pins, or to connect the RJ-11 connector having six pins.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the switching process is implemented as a relay circuit, which generates a switching signal for performing the switching according to a detection result from the detecting process.
 15. The method of claim 12, wherein the line combinations include: unshared lines, in which the connectors with various numbers of electrical contacts do not have shared electrical contacts; and shared lines, in which the connectors with various numbers of electrical contacts have the shared electrical contacts.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein, an RJ-45 connector in compliance with 10/100 BASE and an RJ-11 connector form the unshared lines; the RJ-45 connector for 1000 BASE standard has shared lines with the RJ-11 connector.
 17. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of switching the line combinations is to switch the circuit modules including: an RJ-45 connector, in compliance with 10 BASE-T or 100 BASE-TX standard, connected to circuit module of an Ethernet network; the RJ-45 connector, in compliance with 1000 BASE-T standard, connected to circuit module of the Ethernet network; and an RJ-11 connector, in compliance with standard of a Digital subscriber line, connected to circuit module of the Digital subscriber line.
 18. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of initiating connecting process including initiating the connection modes including: configuring connection of Digital subscriber line according to connection parameters provided by a service provider of Digital subscriber line; and configuring Ethernet network according to a LAN configuration of the Ethernet network.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the configuration includes: a setting of dynamic host configuration protocol; a setting of point-to-point protocol of the Ethernet network; and a setting of a static network address.
 20. The method of claim 11, wherein the connecting apparatus with a combo port includes a memory unit for storing the connection configuration. 